Battery

ABSTRACT

A body has a liquid-activatable powder mixture disposed in a metal casing with a first end that extends towards a second end longitudinally and includes at least one perforation, a conductive rod with a first end located adjacent and beyond the first end of the metal casing and extends towards the second end in contact with the powder mixture, a permeable separator, disposed between the liquid-activatable powder mixture and the metal casing, for electrically isolating the negative electrode from the positive electrode while being permeable to liquid useful in activating the powder mixture, and a passage, extending from the perforation of the metal casing through the permeable separator, for allowing a flow of liquid to activate the liquid activatable powder mixture. The metal casing is moveable relative to at least the body between a first position to expose and a second position to conceal the perforation on the metal casing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a battery that is particularly but notexclusively of re-useable battery activated by addition of a liquid.

Conventional batteries activated by a liquid would address the problemof long term storage resulting in inactivation and deterioration. Theactivation of such batteries requires addition of liquid usually by wayof soaking the battery in a bath of liquid. The liquid molecules in theliquid spontaneously move through a partially permeable membrane intothe interior of the battery by osmosis. The rate of movement of theliquid molecules tends to be slow. This is particularly undesirable whenan emergency situation arises requiring urgent functioning of thebattery.

Conventionally, a cap is usually provided to cover the opening throughwhich liquid enters the battery. The cap is easily lost or constitutes asmall part swallow-able by young children rendering its use unfit fortoy designed to the entertainment of children at a certain age.

Liquid is usually injected through a small aperture beneath the cap atone end of the battery. Tools may be used to put pressure on the liquidfor speeding up movement across the permeable membrane. However, theseare less desirable given their limitations. The tightly packedingredients add to the problem.

Also it is not possible for users to control the amount of ingredientsto be activated.

The invention seeks to mitigate or at least alleviate such shortcomingsby providing a new or improved battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a battery comprising abody having opposite first and second ends; a liquid-activatable powdermixture disposed in the body; a negative electrode, at which anions areoxidized, comprising a metal casing which has a first end extendstowards a second end longitudinally and includes at least oneperforation; a positive electrode, to which cations migrate, comprisinga conductive rod which has a first end located adjacent and beyond thefirst end of the metal casing and extends towards the second end of thebody in contact with the powder mixture; a permeable separator, disposedbetween the liquid-activatable powder mixture and the metal casing, forlining the perforation and electrically isolating the negative electrodefrom the positive electrode while being permeable to liquid useful inactivating the powder mixture; and a passage, extending from theperforation of the metal casing through the permeable separator, forallowing a flow of liquid to activate the liquid activatable powdermixture, wherein the metal casing is moveable relative to at least thebody between a first position to expose and a second position to concealthe perforation on the metal casing.

Preferably, the first end of the body and the first end of the metalcasing are sealed by a first end cap.

More preferably, the body and the metal casing are separated by afurther casing positioned therebetween and with first and second ends.

Yet more preferably, the further casing includes an opening whichextends between the first and second ends and is aligned with theperforation on the metal casing, the further casing and the metal casingis moveable relative to the body between the first position to exposeand the second position to conceal the opening on the further casing andthe perforation on the metal casing.

It is preferable that the first end cap is provided with the first endof the further casing.

Advantageously, the first end cap of the further casing is integrallyformed with the first end of the further casing.

More advantageously, the metal casing is movable between the first andsecond positions by sliding along an axis extending longitudinallythrough the first and second ends of the body.

Yet more advantageously, the further casing and the metal casing arearranged to have their relative position fixed by an inter-engagementmeans such that the further casing and the metal casing are slidablebetween the first and second positions in unison.

It is advantageous that the first end of the further casing isreleasably coupled by a coupler to the first end of the body when thefurther casing is at the second position.

Preferably, the coupler includes a pair of complementary threadedengagements on the respect first ends of the body and the furthercasing.

More preferably, the coupler when engaged forms a waterproof coupling.

Preferably, the coupler further includes a sealed ring positionedadjacent the threaded engagement on the further casing.

More preferably, the second end of the metal casing is retained at leastpartially within the body by a retainer when the metal casing is movedto the second position.

Advantageously, the retainer comprises a releasable complementarythreaded coupler at the second end of the metal casing and the first endof the body.

More advantageously, the second end of the further casing is retained atleast partially within the body by a retainer when the further casing ismoved to the second position.

Preferably, the retainer comprises a releasable complementary threadedcoupler at the second end of the further casing and the first end of thebody.

More preferably, the inter-engagement means includes a pair ofprojections on the second end of the metal casing insertable into a pairof seats on the second end of the further casing.

It is preferable that the pair of seats comprises a pair of indentationson the second end of the further casing.

Advantageously, the projection is of a shape corresponding to that ofthe indentation such that they form a close-fit.

More advantageously, the number of opening on the further casingcorrespond to the number of perforation on the metal casing.

Preferably, the metal casing comprises at least two perforations, thepermeable separator that lines the perforations comprises a visualindicator at each position of the perforations for indicating passing ofliquid there through.

More preferably, the threaded coupler when coupled maintains the metalcasing at the second position.

More advantageously, the threaded coupler when coupled maintains thefurther casing at the second position.

Preferably, the threaded coupler includes a stopper to prevent rotationof the metal casing relative to the body.

Preferably, the threaded coupler includes a stopper to prevent rotationof the further casing relative to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a first embodiment of a battery in accordancewith the invention and usage thereof;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the battery in FIGS. 1A to 1C;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are side views of the battery in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 2A taken alongits length;

FIG. 3A is a front view of a body of the battery in FIGS. 1A to 1C;

FIGS. 3B and 3C are side views of the body in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 3A taken alongits length;

FIG. 3E is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 3D;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a further casing of the battery in FIGS. 1Ato 1C;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the further casing in FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 4D and 4E are side views of the further casing in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of the further casing in FIG. 4A takenalong its length;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a metal casing of the battery in FIGS. 1Ato 1C;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the metal casing in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the metal casing in FIG. 5A unrolled;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a second embodiment of a battery in accordancewith the invention and usage thereof;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the battery in FIGS. 6A to 6C;

FIGS. 7B and 7C are side views of the battery in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 7A taken alongits length;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a body of the battery in FIGS. 6A to 6C;

FIGS. 8B and 8C are side views of the body in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 8A taken alongits length;

FIG. 8E is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 8D;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a further casing of the battery in FIGS. 6Ato 6C;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a top plan view of the further casing in FIG. 9A;

FIGS. 9D and 9E are side views of the further casing in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9F is a cross-sectional view of the further casing in FIG. 9A takenalong its length;

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of a metal casing of the battery in FIGS. 6Ato 6C;

FIG. 10B is a front view of the metal casing in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a top plan view of the metal casing in FIG. 10A unrolled;

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show a second embodiment of a battery inaccordance with the invention and usage thereof;

FIG. 12A is a front view of the battery in FIGS. 11A to 11C;

FIGS. 12B and 12C are side views of the battery in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 12A takenalong its length;

FIG. 13A is a front view of a body of the battery in FIGS. 11A to 11C;

FIGS. 13B and 13C are side views of the body in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the battery in FIG. 13A takenalong its length;

FIG. 13E is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 13D;

FIG. 14A is a front view of a further casing of the battery in FIGS. 11Ato 11C;

FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C is a top plan view of the further casing in FIG. 14A;

FIGS. 14D and 14E are side views of the further casing in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14F is a cross-sectional view of the further casing in FIG. 14Ataken along its length;

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of a metal casing of the battery in FIGS.11A to 11C;

FIG. 15B is a front view of the metal casing in FIG. 15A; and

FIG. 15C is a top plan view of the metal casing in FIG. 15A unrolled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a liquid-activated battery 100embodying the invention for use as energy storage. The battery 100remains inactivated until a preferred amount of liquid such as water orany other suitable water-based liquid is added to it. When the liquid isdelivered into the battery 100 and reaches a liquid-activatable powdermixture 104 disposed in the battery 100, the powder mixture 104 and thebattery 100 become activated to generate a potential difference betweenelectrically-isolated positive and negative electrodes of the batterywhich may then be used as an electrical power source. The features andoperation of this embodiment will be described in detail as follows.

The battery 100 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a body101, preferably in the form of an outer plastic casing, containing ametal casing 102 with at least one perforation 102C, which is lined inits inner surface by a liquid permeable separator 103, preferably apaper membrane. A liquid-activatable reaction mixture 104, preferably apowder mixture or compacted lumps of powder, is physically andelectrically isolated from the inner surface of the metal casing 102 bythe liquid permeable separator 103. A core in the form of a carbon stick105 extends inwardly of the metal casing 102 substantially horizontallyand is embedded within/in contact with the reaction mixture 104. Themetal casing 102 is arranged to move between a first position relativeto the body 101 exposing the perforation 102C and a second positionrelative to the body 101 concealing the perforation 102C as shown inFIGS. 1A to 1C, 6A to 6C and 11A to 11C. Such movement may involve arelative sliding movement along an axis that runs longitudinally throughthe first and second ends of the body 101.

In a preferred embodiment, between the metal casing 102 and the body 101there is provided a further casing 110 preferably made of plastic. Thisfurther casing 110 includes at least one opening 110F and preferablyaligned with the perforation 102C on the metal casing 102. A passage ofliquid can then be established for insertion of liquid when the opening110F and the perforation 102C are exposed. In the preferred embodiment,the metal casing 102 is coupled to the further casing 110 in order forit to be movable by or with the further casing 110. The metal casing 102may be attached to the further casing 110 by conventional means. Toexpose the opening 110F and the perforation 102C, the further casing 110and the metal casing 102 are moved relative to the body 101 to the firstposition. To conceal the opening 110F and the perforation 102C, thefurther casing 110 and the metal casing 102 are moved relative to thebody 101 to the second position.

Movement of the metal casing 102 and the further casing 110 to the firstposition requires sliding in a direction opposite but parallel to thatrequired for moving the metal casing 102 and the further casing 110 tothe second position. Again, such movement may involve a relative slidingmovement along an axis that runs longitudinally through the first andsecond ends of the body 101.

In the second position, a wall of the body 101 conceals the openings110F and the perforation 102C from external environment.

A cathode (positive electrode to which cations migrate) of the battery100 includes the carbon stick 105, also commonly known as the conductiverod, surrounded by manganese dioxide and a first metal cap 106,preferably copper cap, provided at a first end 101 a of the plasticcasing 101 and fit onto a first end of the carbon stick 105A. The firstcopper cap 106 together with the first end of the carbon stick 105Aextend outwardly of the first end 101A of the plastic casing 101 via anaperture in the first end 101A. An anode (negative electrode at whichanions are oxidized) of the battery 100 includes the metal casing 102and a second metal cap 107 electrically connected thereto. The secondmetal cap 107 and the second end 102B of the metal casing 102 are bothprovided adjacent the second end 101B of the plastic casing 101 and areelectrically connected.

Once water contacts with the reaction mixture 104, the reaction mixturechemically reacts to generate a potential difference between the cathodeand the anode. The cathode and anode are separated from each by theliquid permeable separator 103 which physically and electricallyisolates the cathode and anode of the battery 100 but permitting freeflow of positive ions created as a result of the chemical reactions fromthe anode towards the cathode so as to generate and maintain thepotential difference. Electrons formed at the anode electrode aretherefore able to flow from the anode through a load device back to thecathode.

When the potential difference across the battery 100 falls below ausable level, liquid can be re-filled into the battery 100 to reactivatethe reaction mixture 104 and regenerate a usable potential differenceacross the cathode and anode.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3E, 8A to 8E and 13A to 13E, the plastic casing101 surrounds the further casing 110, metal casing 102 for reinforcementand protection against deformation due to stress or heat.

The plastic casing 101 is made of plastic material for exampleAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is preformed, moulded and/oradapted to slide over the metal casing 102 or the further casing 110 asan outer sleeve. The plastic casing 101 is basically a cylindricalcontainer with an opened end on its first end 101A. The first end 101Ais provided with internal threaded engagement means 101C and threadedcoupler 101D. At the second end 101B, there is a plastic bottomintegrated with the second metal end cap 107. The threaded engagementmeans 101C and the threaded coupler 101D are concentric. The threadedcoupler 101D forms a smaller radius compared to that of the threadedengagement means 101C and they are placed adjacent each other with thethreaded coupler 101D placed further from the first end of the body 101.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4E, 9A to 9E and 14A to 14E, there is shown thefurther casing 110 with first and second ends 110A and 110B. The furthercasing 110 is another cylindrical casing but with an end cap 110Eintegrally formed or fixedly connected with the rest of the casing 110.The first end cap 106 protrudes from the end cap 110E. The end cap 110Eis spaced from an external threaded engagement means 110C on theperiphery of the further casing 110 by a gap which is occupied by a sealring such that when the threaded engagements means 110C and 101C arethreadedly engaged to close off the opened end of the body 101, theengagement becomes a sealed engagement preventing at least liquid fromentering or leaving the interior of the battery 100. The threadedengagement means 110C and 101C are releaseable complementary engagementmeans. The opening 110F is a through hole on the periphery of thefurther casing 110. In the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E,there is only one opening of an oblong shape extending along length ofthe further casing 110. In the second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 9A to9E, there are two oblong openings 110F extending along length of thefurther casing 110. These openings 110F are arranged consecutively andhead to toe. In the third embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14E, thereare three circular or oval shaped opening 110F extending along length ofthe further casing 110. These openings 110F are arranged consecutivelyand head to toe. In each of these embodiments, threaded couplers 110Dare provided on the periphery and at the second end of the furthercasing 110. These threaded couplers 110D and the threaded engagementmeans 110C are concentrically arranged with the radius of the threadedcouplers 110D smaller than that of the threaded engagement means 110C.The threaded coupler 110D abuts the threaded coupler 101D on the body101 when the further casing 110 is moved to the first position exposingthe openings 110F and the perforations 101A. These threaded couplers110D and 101D are releasable complementary couplers. Preferably thefurther casing 110 is rotated relative to the body 101 such that thethreaded couplers 110D and 101D threadedly engages to maintain thefurther casing 110 and the metal casing 102 at the second position bypreventing relative sliding movement between the further casing 110 andthe body 101 along the axis. If necessary, a stopper may be provided atan end of the threaded coupler 110D and/or 101D to prevent the removalof the further casing 110 and the metal casing 102 from the body 101 tosatisfy the safety requirements such as those for toys for youngchildren. Alternatively, the threaded coupler 110D and/or 101D may haveno stopper to purposely allow complete separation between the furthercasing 110 and the metal casing 102 from the body 101. This allows thefurther casing 110 and the rest to be immersed into liquid for fullactivation. At the second end 110B of the further casing 110 and cuttingthrough the threaded coupler 110D there is provided a pair of seats 110Gpreferably in the form of indentations.

Turning to FIGS. 5A to 5C, there is shown the metal casing 102 withfirst and second ends 102A and 102B. perforation 102C is provided on theperiphery of the metal casing 102 between the first and second ends 102Aand 102B. A pair of projections 102D projects from the second end 102Bof the metal casing 102. These projections 102D are foldable backwardswith their free ends pointing at the first end 102A. These projections102D are inserted into the seats 110G when the battery 100 is assembled.The projections 102D and the seats 110G are dimensioned and shaped tofit each other such that their cooperation prevents relative rotationbetween the metal casing 102 and the further casing 110. Adhesive may beapplied here to secure them together. The perforation 102C is a throughhole on the periphery of the metal casing 102. In the first embodimentas shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, there is only one perforation 102C of anoblong shape extending along length of the metal casing 102. In thesecond embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, there are two oblongperforations 102C extending along length of the metal casing 102. Theseperforations 102C are arranged consecutively and head to toe. In thethird embodiment as shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, there are three circularor oval shaped perforations 102C extending along length of the metalcasing 102. These perforations 102C are arranged consecutively and headto toe. The perforations 102C, the shape of the metal casing and theprojections are die cast out of a piece of zinc sheet metal in a singlestep.

In a preferred embodiment, the external periphery of the body 101 isrelatively easy to decorate with commercial indicators and informationrelative to the battery 100.

The perforations 102C or preferably the interior of the metal casing102, as shown in FIGS. 2D, 7D and 12D, is lined by a liquid permeableseparator 103 in the form of a paper membrane. Preferably, the liquidpermeable separator 103 at each perforation 102C has an indicator toprovide visual indication as to whether liquid passed there through.This may involve a change of color.

The passage of liquid through one perforation 102C of the embodiments asshown in FIGS. 6A to 15C may only activate the ingredients partially forone use. Further usage will require further activation through otherperforation 102C.

The invention has been given by way of example only, and various othermodifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiments may bemade by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope ofthe invention as specified in the appended claims.

1. A battery comprising: a body having opposite first and second ends; aliquid-activatable powder mixture disposed in the body; a negativeelectrode, at which anions are oxidized, comprising a metal casing whichhas a first end that extends towards a second end longitudinally andincludes at least one perforation; a positive electrode, to whichcations migrate, comprising a conductive rod which has a first endlocated adjacent and beyond the first end of the metal casing and thatextends towards the second end of the body in contact with the powdermixture; a permeable separator, disposed between the liquid-activatablepowder mixture and the metal casing, for lining the perforation andelectrically isolating the negative electrode from the positiveelectrode while being permeable to liquid useful in activating thepowder mixture; and a passage, extending from the perforation of themetal casing through the permeable separator, for allowing a flow ofliquid to activate the liquid activatable powder mixture, wherein themetal casing is moveable relative to at least the body between a firstposition to expose and a second position to conceal the perforation onthe metal casing.
 2. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst end of the body and the first end of the metal casing are sealedby a first end cap.
 3. The battery as claimed in claim 2, wherein thebody and the metal casing are separated by a further casing positionedtherebetween and with first and second ends.
 4. The battery as claimedin claim 3, wherein the further casing includes an opening which extendsbetween the first and second ends and is aligned with the perforation onthe metal casing, the further casing and the metal casing is moveablerelative to the body between the first position to expose and the secondposition to conceal the opening on the further casing and theperforation on the metal casing.
 5. The battery as claimed in claim 3,wherein the first end cap is provided with the first end of the furthercasing.
 6. The battery as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first end capof the further casing is integrally formed with the first end of thefurther casing.
 7. The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metalcasing is movable between the first and second positions by slidingalong an axis extending longitudinally through the first and second endsof the body.
 8. The battery as claimed in claim 7, wherein the furthercasing and the metal casing are arranged to have their relative positionfixed by an inter-engagement means such that the further casing and themetal casing are slidable between the first and second positions inunison.
 9. The battery as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first end ofthe further casing is releasably coupled by a coupler to the first endof the body when the further casing is at the second position.
 10. Thebattery as claimed in claim 9, wherein the coupler includes a pair ofcomplementary threaded engagements on the respect first ends of the bodyand the further casing.
 11. The battery as claimed in claim 10, whereinthe coupler when engaged forms a waterproof coupling.
 12. The battery asclaimed in claim 11, wherein the coupler further includes a sealed ringpositioned adjacent the threaded engagement on the further casing. 13.The battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end of the metalcasing is retained at least partially within the body by a retainer whenthe metal casing is moved to the second position.
 14. The battery asclaimed in claim 13, wherein the retainer comprises a releasablecomplementary threaded coupler at the second end of the metal casing andthe first end of the body.
 15. The battery as claimed in claim 8,wherein the second end of the further casing is retained at leastpartially within the body by a retainer when the further casing is movedto the second position.
 16. The battery as claimed in claim 15, whereinthe retainer comprises a releasable complementary threaded coupler atthe second end of the further casing and the first end of the body. 17.The battery as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inter-engagement meansincludes a pair of projections on the second end of the metal casinginsertable into a pair of seats on the second end of the further casing.18. The battery as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pair of seatscomprises a pair of indentations on the second end of the furthercasing.
 19. The battery as claimed in claim 18, wherein the projectionis of a shape corresponding to that of the indentation such that theyform a close-fit.
 20. The battery as claimed in claim 4, wherein thenumber of opening on the further casing correspond to the number ofperforation on the metal casing.
 21. The battery as claimed in claim 1,wherein the metal casing comprises at least two perforations, thepermeable separator that lines the perforations comprises a visualindicator at each position of the perforations for indicating passing ofliquid there through.
 22. The battery as claimed in claim 14, whereinthe threaded coupler when coupled maintains the metal casing at thesecond position.
 23. The battery as claimed in claim 16, wherein thethreaded coupler when coupled maintains the further casing at the secondposition.
 24. The battery as claimed in claim 22, wherein the threadedcoupler includes a stopper to prevent rotation of the metal casingrelative to the body.
 25. The battery as claimed in claim 23, whereinthe threaded coupler includes a stopper to prevent rotation of thefurther casing relative to the body.